Mets Face Interesting Jonah Tong Decision This Weekend

Tong, who was scratched from his start with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, would likely stay in the minor leagues if Thursday's game in Washington, D.C. is rained out. The Mets are currently slated to start David Peterson without the use of an opener; a rainout on Thursday would push his start to Friday and eliminate the need of a spot start from Tong.

"We're keeping him in play," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said to the media on Wednesday after Tong was scratched from his minor league start. "There's a chance that he plays a part in the Miami series for us. But we gotta get through today, we gotta get through tomorrow and then go from there. But we want to keep him in play in case there's a need here."

The 22-year-old was called up to the major leagues in August 2025 after dominating with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies; he only made two starts in Triple-A up to that point. Tong struggled to a 7.71 ERA and 4.31 FIP in five starts, but showed impressive strikeout stuff with 22 punchouts over 18.2 innings pitched.

This year, Tong has been inconsistent with Triple-A Syracuse and holds a 5.68 ERA, 5.41 FIP and 1.37 WHIP in nine starts. The strikeouts are still there as he's racked up 55 over 38.0 innings, but control has been a problem lately, with Tong walking 24 batters.

Even though Tong may need more seasoning, the Mets' starting rotation is running on fumes after Clay Holmes fractured his fibula last Friday. The injury to Holmes has greatly exacerbated a stretch of 16 consecutive games without a day off; New York has played every day since May 11, and their next off day is May 28 if they avoid a rainout on Thursday. Before going down, Holmes led the Mets with 52.2 innings pitched.

The Amazins' have responded well to the recent infusion of young talent, as they've won six of their last nine games despite sitting in last place in the NL East. Over that span, they've called up outfielders A.J. Ewing and Nick Morabito, as well as starting pitcher Zach Thornton , to make their major league debuts. Top prospect Carson Benge has also begun to heat up at the plate, now occupying the leadoff spot in the lineup.

Regardless of how the Mets use Tong, either as a sixth starter or a long reliever out of the bullpen, the young right-hander will look to make a stronger impression in the major leagues when (or if) he gets the opportunity.